Range Hood System and Method for Moving Air

ABSTRACT

A method of moving air comprises providing a recreational vehicle having a range for cooking, and providing a range hood and attaching the range hood to the recreational vehicle above the range, the range hood comprising a body, an outlet for exhausting air, a motor capable of a plurality of speeds, a fan connected to the motor, and a fan switch connected to the motor to control a speed of the motor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a 12 Vdc range hood conversion kit to quiet, high volume air flow with LED lighting.

Current problems include inefficient, noisy exhausting of cooking odors and smoke inherent to all 12 Vdc range hoods with poor lighting. Current 12 Vdc range hood fans have a lot of fan motor noise, exhaust very little air and provide poor lighting at best. As a result consumers are irritated by noise pollution and lingering unpleasant cooking odors. These solutions have economy, inefficient motor/fan blade combinations and low wattage incandescent bulbs built to satisfy construction codes, not consumer desire.

As can be seen, there is a need for solutions to these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a method of moving air comprises: providing a recreational vehicle having a range for cooking; and providing a range hood and attaching the range hood to the recreational vehicle above the range, the range hood comprising: a body; an outlet for exhausting air; a motor capable of a plurality of speeds; a fan connected to the motor; and a fan switch connected to the motor to control a speed of the motor.

In one aspect, the method further comprises switching the motor to a low speed of the plurality of speeds; and cooking on the range, wherein the range hood is configured to move air from above the range to outside the recreational vehicle via the outlet. In one aspect, the method further comprises switching the motor to a high speed of the plurality of speeds; and opening a window of the recreational vehicle, wherein the range hood is configured to move air from the window to outside the recreational vehicle via the outlet to thereby substantially equalize temperatures inside and outside the recreational vehicle.

In one aspect, the motor comprises a direct current motor operable at approximately 12 volts. In one aspect, the fan switch and motor speed are continuously adjustable. In one aspect, the range hood further comprises: a light capable of a plurality of illumination levels; and a light switch connected to the light to control an illumination of the light. In one aspect, the light comprises a light emitting diode. In one aspect, the light is dimmable and the light switch is continuously adjustable.

In one aspect, a method of modifying a recreational vehicle comprises: providing a recreational vehicle having a range for cooking and an original range hood comprising an outlet conduit for exhausting air; providing a range hood comprising: a body; an outlet connected to the body; a motor capable of a plurality of speeds; a fan connected to the motor; and a fan switch connected to the motor to control a speed of the motor; and attaching the range hood to the recreational vehicle above the range so that the outlet of the range hood exhausts air via the outlet conduit of the original range hood.

In one aspect, a range hood for moving air comprises: a body; an outlet for exhausting air; a direct current motor operable at approximately 12 volts and capable of a plurality of speeds; a fan connected to the motor; a fan switch connected to the motor to control a speed of the motor; a light capable of a plurality of illumination levels; and a light switch connected to the light to control an illumination of the light. In one aspect, the fan switch and light switch are continuously adjustable.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: is a bottom front perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2: is a rear top perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3: is a top front perspective exploded view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4: is a bottom rear perspective exploded view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5: is a top view of the invention illustrated without motor 38 and top plate 30 for illustrative clarity and illustrating air flow.

FIG. 6: is a section view of one embodiment of the invention along line 6-6 in FIG. 1 and illustrating air flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

Referring now to the figures, the following reference numbers may refer to elements of the invention:

-   2: is the range hood. -   10: is the body. -   12: is the mounting flange. -   14: is the mounting hole. -   16: is the fan switch. -   18: is the light switch. -   20: is the outlet. -   22: is the lens or light cover. -   24: is the grease filter clip fastener. -   26: is the grease filter. -   28: is the damper slide knob. -   30: is the motor mount. -   32: is the front end cap. -   34: is the light, which may comprise a board of light emitting     diodes (LEDs). -   36: is the fan, which may comprise a squirrel cage-type fan and/or     centrifugal fan. -   38: is the motor. -   40: is the partition (which may include one horizontal and one     vertical partition). -   42: is the resistor device with thermal protector. -   44: is the damper. -   46: is the lockout switch, which may be a motor kill switch. -   48: is the flat washer. -   50: is the lock washer. -   52: is the screw. -   54: is the scroll partition. -   56: is the damper track.

A range hood according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a high volume 12 Vdc motor/squirrel cage combination that moves air faster than conventional systems, as measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute) versus CFH (cubic feet per hour), so the range hood can quietly, instantly remove cooking odors and smoke; the range hood may also include a high lumen LED.

A range hood according to one embodiment of the present invention, exhausting at a rate of approximately 600CFM, instantly removes unpleasant cooking odors/smoke at the source. The upgrade will also provide comfortable fresh air throughout the entire living area and maintain ambient temperature via a slightly open window or roof vent. A range hood according to one embodiment of the present invention is akin to a powerful 12 Vdc attic fan operating in a range hood with a quality LED light illuminating the cooking surface. A range hood according to one embodiment of the present invention provides for a quiet, high volume air flow with quality LED lighting that corrects original manufacture design deficiencies, according to RV owners.

A range hood according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more of the following elements and/or features. Measurements and/or shapes are not limited to those described.

A 12 Vdc permanent magnet motor, although the present invention is not limited to this size, power, or voltage motor.

A motor assembly or squirrel cage assembly that may be approximately 6″ wide×3″ high. The motor assembly or squirrel cage assembly may be pre-installed to the inside of a cover section of a four-sided galvanized box, which may measure 12″×9½″×4″. The motor assembly may be surrounded by a galvanized or code compliant plastic scroll panel which may be also pre-installed into the galvanized top. The galvanized or code compliant plastic scroll panel efficiently transitions intake (interior air) to direct outside exhaust through the original range hood's existing framework.

A galvanized or code compliant plastic divider with subdivider which may be pre-installed in the main galvanized box, creating two compartments. The small compartment houses a light, such as an LED light, while the large compartment houses electrical connections to meet general electrical codes.

A galvanized end cap which may be pre-installed onto the main box, completing the compartments and closing one end of the main box.

A pre-loaded top may then slide onto main box channels, over a 4⅛″ hole with integral air flow brake in the bottom of the main box, stopping at the end cap.

A galvanized end cap that may be installed onto the main box, completing the upgrade kit.

One side may face the front (away from the wall) and may have a high/low switch on one side of the box for fan motor speed. The other side of the box may have a high/low switch for the LED light intensity. The back side of the box may face the outside wall and rear of the original range hood framework and exhausts directly through the existing range hood frame outside.

Workings of one embodiment of the present invention will now be described, without limitation to the measurements and shapes described. A range hood according to one embodiment of the present invention may be designed to upgrade any 12 Vdc range hood. The high volume air flow fan quietly and immediately eliminates cooking odors and smoke on either high or low speed. It will keep an entire mobile living structure, such as a recreational vehicle, comfortable by slightly opening a window on a shaded side or roof vent in the evenings. The fan will actually maintain ambient temperature inside mobile structure with no heat gain on the high setting (i.e., a 75 degree sunny day remains 75 degrees inside mobile structure) while the low speed will provide constant air movement through structure at very low sound level, even on inclement rainy days. This universal upgrade kit is designed for fast, do-it-yourself conversion of original equipment range hoods supplied by mobile structure manufacturers. The high lumen LED brilliantly illuminates cooking surfaces on high and provides a soft night light to move safely around mobile structure kitchens after dark.

The making of one embodiment of the present invention will now be described, without limitation to the measurements and shapes described.

Make a galvanized steel box approximately 12″×9½ ″×4″. Box may have to be built with open sheet metal cover.

Once the box is complete a set of dividers (one approximately 9½″ by 4″ and one approximately 2½″×4″) may be added to the box for light, such as incandescent or LED, and electrical code compliance chambers.

Mount within the 9 1/2″×9½″×4″ envelope a 12 Vdc pancake motor and squirrel cage combination. When the box has an open top an integral motor mount may be located in the three-sided box to hold the motor/cage combination in the proper position. This is important as the open top of the box utilizes the top inside of the range hood when installed to close off the box. If the galvanized box top is utilized the motor can be mounted flush to the sheet metal top in the proper position.

Holes may be cut in the bottom of the box for a light diffuser and air intake over the stove. The lower side of the box may have a removable grease filter for cleaning and minimizing grease build up on the motor and cage.

If switches are used one may select single pull double throw switches for a two-speed fan motor and light dimming. The 12 Vdc motor may require a resistor positioned in the air flow to slow the motor and dissipate heat, or pulse width modulation through a circuit board for variable speeds and/or dimming which may eliminate the irritating 12 Vdc motor hum at low speeds inherent in high voltage variable speed rheostats.

High air flow volume may be accomplished by minimizing air turbulence and restrictions. One may design and affix a scroll to the inside of the box around the squirrel cage to move air up, turn it 90 degrees and exhaust through the original hood frame and out. An intake/exhaust brake may be considered and properly positioned for maximum efficiency in conjunction with the scroll.

Switches for speed and dimming are optional if one only desires high speed and bright light. Pulse width modulation allows for infinite variable speed control but that means a circuit board would have to be mounted inside the box.

The light/electrical box and exhaust from the cage could conceivably be inverted inside the box. A tunnel duct to the original exhaust frame is also possible. This could move side switches to the front. One could also change out the original equipment single pull single throw (on/off) switches located on the face of the hood and reinstall high/low single pull double throw switches or double pull double switches for high/low/off operation. A reverse polarity 12 Vdc motor could also be used with a mirror image scroll mount to achieve similar exhaust efficiency.

The conversion kit design according to one embodiment of the present invention could be reconfigured into a different style box or master frame for mounting in a ceiling/roof ventilator, or used in a box/master frame for mounting in a storage bay to move air out from or into a different storage area, engine or generator compartment with or without ducting. The conversion kit design according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be applied to marine applications to move air from cabins, bulkheads etc.

In one aspect of the present invention, a method of moving air comprises: providing a recreational vehicle having a range for cooking; and providing a range hood 2 and attaching the range hood 2 to the recreational vehicle above the range, the range hood 2 comprising: a body 10; an outlet 20 for exhausting air; a motor 38 capable of a plurality of speeds; a fan 36 connected to the motor; and a fan switch 16 connected to the motor 38 to control a speed of the motor 38. The plurality of speeds may include only a low and high (and off) setting, or may include additional medium settings, or the motor 38 and fan switch 16 may be continuously variable or adjustable to allow effectively infinitely many gradations of motor speed.

In one aspect, the method further comprises using the fan switch 16 to switch the motor 38 to a low speed of the plurality of speeds; and cooking on the range, wherein the range hood 2 is configured to move air from above the range to outside the recreational vehicle via the outlet 20. In one aspect, the method further comprises using the fan switch 16 to switch the motor 38 to a high speed of the plurality of speeds; and opening a window of the recreational vehicle, wherein the range hood 2 is configured to move air from the window to outside the recreational vehicle via the outlet 20 to thereby substantially equalize temperatures inside and outside the recreational vehicle.

In one aspect, the motor 38 comprises a direct current motor operable at approximately 12 volts, or 14 volts or 24 volts or any other desired voltage, although the motor 38 may instead be an alternating current motor operable by inverting a direct current or using a generator. In one aspect, the fan switch 16 and motor speed are continuously adjustable.

In one aspect, the range hood 2 further comprises: a light 34 capable of a plurality of illumination levels; and a light switch 18 connected to the light 34 to control an illumination of the light 34. In one aspect, the light 34 comprises a light emitting diode or a fluorescent light, such as a dimmable compact fluorescent (“CFL”). The plurality of illumination levels may include only a low and high (and off) setting, or may include additional medium settings, or the light 34 may be dimmable and the light switch 18 continuously variable or adjustable to allow effectively infinitely many gradations of light illumination.

In one aspect, a method of modifying a recreational vehicle comprises: providing a recreational vehicle having a range for cooking and an original range hood comprising an outlet conduit for exhausting air; providing a range hood 2 comprising: a body 10; an outlet 20 connected to the body 10; a motor 38 capable of a plurality of speeds; a fan 36 connected to the motor 38; and a fan switch 16 connected to the motor 38 to control a speed of the motor 38; and attaching the range hood 2 to the recreational vehicle above the range so that the outlet 20 of the range hood 2 exhausts air via the outlet conduit of the original range hood.

In one aspect, a range hood 2 for moving air comprises: a body 10; an outlet 20 for exhausting air; a direct current motor 38 operable at approximately 12 volts and capable of a plurality of speeds; a fan 36 connected to the motor 38; a fan switch 16 connected to the motor 38 to control a speed of the motor 38; a light 34 capable of a plurality of illumination levels; and a light switch 18 connected to the light 34 to control an illumination of the light 34. In one aspect, the fan switch 16 and light switch 18 are continuously adjustable.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of moving air, comprising: providing a recreational vehicle having a range for cooking; and providing a range hood and attaching the range hood to the recreational vehicle above the range, the range hood comprising: a body; an outlet for exhausting air; a motor capable of a plurality of speeds; a fan connected to the motor; and a fan switch connected to the motor to control a speed of the motor.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: switching the motor to a low speed of the plurality of speeds; and cooking on the range, wherein the range hood is configured to move air from above the range to outside the recreational vehicle via the outlet.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: switching the motor to a high speed of the plurality of speeds; and opening a window of the recreational vehicle, wherein the range hood is configured to move air from the window to outside the recreational vehicle via the outlet to thereby substantially equalize temperatures inside and outside the recreational vehicle.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: switching the motor to a high speed of the plurality of speeds; and opening a window of the recreational vehicle, wherein the range hood is configured to move air from the window to outside the recreational vehicle via the outlet to thereby substantially equalize temperatures inside and outside the recreational vehicle.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor comprises a direct current motor operable at approximately 12 volts.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fan switch and motor speed are continuously adjustable.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the range hood further comprises: a light capable of a plurality of illumination levels; and a light switch connected to the light to control an illumination of the light.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the light comprises a light emitting diode.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the light is dimmable and the light switch is continuously adjustable.
 10. A method of modifying a recreational vehicle, comprising: providing a recreational vehicle having a range for cooking and an original range hood comprising an outlet conduit for exhausting air; providing a range hood comprising: a body; an outlet connected to the body; a motor capable of a plurality of speeds; a fan connected to the motor; and a fan switch connected to the motor to control a speed of the motor; and attaching the range hood to the recreational vehicle above the range so that the outlet of the range hood exhausts air via the outlet conduit of the original range hood.
 11. A range hood for moving air, comprising: a body; an outlet for exhausting air; a direct current motor operable at approximately 12 volts and capable of a plurality of speeds; a fan connected to the motor; a fan switch connected to the motor to control a speed of the motor; a light capable of a plurality of illumination levels; and a light switch connected to the light to control an illumination of the light.
 12. The range hood as claimed in claim 11, wherein the fan switch and light switch are continuously adjustable. 